In a devastating series of incidents across Bihar, 46 people, including 37 children, lost their lives due to drowning during the Jitiya or Jivitputrika festival. The incidents occurred over a span of 24 hours, as confirmed by a government official.
Widespread Loss Across Multiple Districts
The drownings were reported from 14 districts, including East and West Champaran, Aurangabad, Kaimur, Buxar, Siwan, Rohtas, Saran, Patna, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Gopalganj, and Arwal. The victims, mostly children, had accompanied their mothers to take a ritualistic dip in local water bodies to mark the festival, which is observed for the well-being and prosperity of children.
Government Response and Condolences
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his condolences for the tragic loss of lives, which included seven women. He announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh to the families of each victim. So far, 43 bodies have been recovered, and the ex-gratia has already been disbursed to eight families.
Search and Rescue Operations Underway
The state’s Disaster Management Department (DMD) has deployed teams from both the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to conduct ongoing search and rescue efforts in the affected areas.
Details of Drowning Incidents
In Aurangabad district, eight children tragically drowned, four in Itahat village and four more in Kushaha village. Meanwhile, in Kaimur district, seven minors lost their lives while bathing in the Durgawati river and a nearby pond in Bhabhua and Mohania.
In Patna, four separate incidents were reported in Amnabad village under the Bihta police station, while five people, including two boys, drowned in Daudpur, Manjhi, Taraiya, and Marhaura police station areas of Saran district.
Families Mourn Losses During a Sacred Festival
Aurangabad District Magistrate Srikant Shastri emphasized the deep sadness felt by the families, who had gone to perform holy rituals but instead faced a heartbreaking tragedy.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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